Off to a flying start

: I would like to know the meaning of the phrase : Get of to a flying start"

: Thanx.
: Samridhi

Picture a running race. The starters are all in the blocks, waiting for the starting gun to sound. One competitor, however, stands a ways behind the other runners, and begins running toward the starting line, timing it precisely so that she reaches the line just as the gun sounds. The other runners get out of the blocks, but our runner, who is "off to a flying start" has a huge early advantage.

There are activities where such a start is normal (such as yacht racing) but the metaphor of a "flying start" is applied to almost any kind of competition.